286 – Crushed by an uncalled disaster – 3
Family. A common word, but a word that has nothing to do with my life. No, to be exact, a name like a shackle and stigma that had more negative effects than positive ones.
My family consisted only of a heartless and mechanical father, a mother who valued the Asilon family more than the imperial family and the empire, and a brother and sister who enjoyed more than their abilities and temperament because they were the eldest son. Even if I tried to feel the family, I couldn’t feel it, and in the first place, I was far from the succession structure, so I didn’t even get attention from those who were called family.
However, the structure of succession, which had been centered around Dongbok-hyung—the 2nd prince, suddenly changed and things broke out. The 1st prince with Jeon Seung-gong on his back, and even Jeon Seung-gong, became a war hero by calming the turmoil in the north. Of course, the 2nd prince, who had nothing to offer except for being the eldest son, collapsed, and the 1st prince, who was persecuted by the 2nd prince faction, wielded the blade of revenge.
“Whose son are you! Were you also the son of Seleden, that bitch?”
As the purge approached, the sight of my mother and my older brother reaching out to me made me feel astonished beyond bewilderment. What can a 3rd prince do in a situation where the match is already over? If I had been raised with family affection, I would have helped at the risk of death, but to me they were family in name only.
Then she spat out anger and hatred and accused me of being born an empress. If it was, I wouldn’t have to worry about dying.
“Your Highness stayed silent until the end, not with the 2nd Prince. It was a wise choice.”
Fortunately, it paid off when I turned away from my family in name only and held my breath. The head of the Inspection Department, who was leading the purge as a descendant of my half-brother who became the crown prince, approached me after dealing with her mother and older brother. Since I was quiet, I said I would spare your life.
I was happy that my life was saved, but I was sad that I was in this situation. He was in danger of being decapitated because of a family that didn’t even feel like family. I spent years not knowing when my half-brother would suddenly change and aim for my neck.
That’s why family is the most heavy shackles to me, and a stigma that cannot be erased.
“We were the only brothers left. It was just the two of us, so it was so awkward.”
It was definitely like that until His Highness, the Crown Prince, suddenly said this.
It’s strange. I was able to return to the royal family in name and reality by attending the New Year’s celebration this year, but I thought that was all. I thought that my existence was no longer a threat to the crown prince’s position, so I was only giving the minimum amount of recognition for the prosperity of the imperial family.
However, the case is different when you directly call and have a private conversation. It’s enough to treat me as a prince rather than a younger brother, but His Highness, the crown prince, mentioned the names brother and sister to me.
As if they truly regard them as family, as if they are trying to end their awkward relationship.
“Isn’t Your Highness the one who will become the sun in the future? I know that you are always devoted to the Empire, so how can I hold Your Highness by talking about brotherly affection?”
Compared to his white hair, the reason why the words of humility came out right away must be his instinct that he has lived while noticing. His instinct was that if this was also a trap, if he regarded Her Majesty as an older brother rather than the crown prince, he might give an excuse for a purge.
“Don’t say that. Emperor Ei Manka also built an empire with the help of his younger siblings, so how can I stand alone as I’m not as good as him?”
Then, His Highness the Crown Prince shook his head softly and continued talking softly. Strange. Was this person capable of such warm words?
“Your Highness, Bocchan. Talk while drinking.”
“Thank you, Bee.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
I couldn’t help myself in embarrassment, so the follow-up hit continued. She said that Her Highness the Crown Princess personally brought tea and that she was not the 3rd prince, but a young boy. She said that, just as Her Highness the Crown Prince mentioned that he was her younger brother, she would treat me as her family, even the non-His Highness.
My head was dizzy from the series of unexpected events. Could it be that I’m actually dreaming?
“Since she was in the academy, she’s been well versed in the tea ceremony. She’ll match.”
“Yes, yes. I’ll be grateful.”
His Highness, who drank her tea to me first, quietly opened his mouth.
‘First…’
To eat the food we drink together first. Did you directly prove that there was no threat of poisoning?
“How was life at the academy?”
“Your Majesty’s benevolence extends throughout the empire, so I’m having a good time without any inconvenience.”
“It’s good.”
Instinctively answered questions that popped out. In the meantime, the academy was mentioned as a topic of conversation, and I felt like I was sitting on a cushion of thorns. Of course, among many things, it is an academy.
‘Is it an interrogation?’
I feel like I’m breaking out in a cold sweat. If you were to question the academy for the reason, there were many things to point out. Friendship with important foreign figures right away, contact with the children of the Margrave of the Empire, clubs such as the only disciple of King Majong, although I did not know at the time. Each one is enough to raise suspicion—
“I heard that Ma Jong-gong is going to be a dispatched instructor at the academy this year. You will be able to have a rare experience.”
“…Yes?”
My head stopped. He even dared to question His Highness the rudeness of the crown prince.
However, His Highness, the Crown Prince, simply nodded, as if he understood that fatal rudeness and mistake.
“It seems that Prince Majong cares about his pupils too. If Lady Louise graduates, it will be a miracle that will never happen again.”
Then I felt a sense of wonder at the casual drinking of tea. If he was at the level of the crown prince, would he be able to calmly react to things that transcended common sense?
“But isn’t this the first time that a duke stays at the academy? There are also distinguished guests from other countries, so I’m concerned that there will be no inconvenience staying with Duke Majong.”
Hearing those words made my head clear. The sudden mention of the academy, the visit of Ma Jong-gong to the academy, and the concern that something unexpected might happen in the situation where all the powers of the three kingdoms reside in the academy.
Excluding the mention of brother and sister, if you think in combination of the previous things, the conclusion came quickly. Since the rights of the royal family were returned through this New Year’s ceremony, it means that now we must fulfill the duty of the royal family to prevent abnormalities in the academy.
‘This is better.’
The tension eased rapidly. This is better than random calls and conversations. At least, as the crown prince, he had given instructions to members of the imperial family.
It’s an understandable meeting, and it’s a natural conversation. The first thing he said about his brother must have been a ceremonial remark to comfort the prince who was performing his duties for the first time.
“Don’t worry, Your Highness. Even though I’m lacking, I’m only Liv Norman, so I’ll do my best so that Prince Majong and the guests don’t feel uncomfortable.”
“Yes. You’re at the academy, so I’m at least relieved.”
His Highness the Crown Prince nodded as if he had waited for my words.
As expected, the business conversation was right.
***
After Inter went back, he sat down and drank the remaining tea.
“Your Highness.”
Then, at the voice of rain, he gently turned his head. As soon as he turned his head, seeing the bitter smile on his face made me feel bad.
“Are you okay?”
“It’s okay. I’m more worried about Ainter than me.”
I let out a sigh. After much thought, I prepared this place, but in the end, it ended without any progress. If this was going to happen, wouldn’t it have been better to talk in writing rather than face-to-face?
“It must have upset you to see someone who was trying for your life suddenly pretend to be friendly.”
He sighed again. Immediately after winning the Succession Conflict and taking care of Dorgos, my eyes were really turned upside down, so I tried to deal with Ainter as well.
I was worried that perhaps the 2nd Prince’s faction would regroup with Ainter as the focal point, or that the only deficit would hold me back. Of course, it can be considered an overreaction. However, if I act softly, the damage spreads to Biwa and the craftsmen. Thinking that way, I couldn’t pass up any possibility.
However, no matter how much I searched for Ainter, there was no justification for purging, and in the end I had to end it by taking away the rights of the royal family. Now that I think about it, I’m glad it ended like that.
“Doing this too late is hypocrisy.”
“Your Highness.”
Despite Rain’s voice full of worries, that thought did not change.
Yes, hypocrisy. Trying to kill his younger brother while resenting his father, who had no family affection, and belatedly acting like an older brother. Isn’t it all hypocrisy and pretense?
Even this hypocrisy was only attempted when my position was solidified and the abdication was imminent. I knew long ago that Ainter was not guilty, but I acted hypocrisy as if I would fight the enemy only after my safety was secured and when I had more time to spare.
‘That’s why it’s easy to talk about work.’
Ah, Inter was stiff throughout the conversation with me, but he naturally opened his mouth after talking about work, as if his tension was relieved.
It’s bittersweet. A kid who can’t imagine having private conversations as a sibling and is only comfortable sharing public ones. But who would you blame? I made it like that
“Rain.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Do you think it’s late?”
It’s something I said to Rain, but it’s also something I say to myself.
The older brother who tried to kill his younger brother, and the younger brother who lived while watching his older brother’s notice. Maybe it’s too late for these brothers to become normal brothers.
“It wasn’t early, but it’s not too late yet.”
She raised the corner of her mouth quietly at the softly spoken words of the rain. Well, wouldn’t it be too late?
“Your Highness must have understood your feelings. Until now, you have not been able to approach any business, but now you can serve the Empire as a legitimate member of the royal family.”
At that, he inadvertently nodded his head. Assignment of duties following participation in the New Year’s Celebration Ceremony. Because this was clearly treated as royalty.
He is not a member of the royal family in name only, but a member of the royal family who performs duties and is treated fairly. He must have noticed it long ago, since he wasn’t a bad guy.
“It may be impossible right now, but one day you will know that Your Highness’s hand is a helping hand of reconciliation.”
Yes, I hope so.
***
This initiation.
“Excuse me, sir. Excuse me, could you repeat that?”
– The number of foreign students has increased. It’s the largest ever.
I grabbed his head at the Foreign Minister’s words.
Students are being copied…?